Apcoa fixes on Westminster for parking contract redress

European parking giant Apcoa is poised to step up its legal assault against Westminster council over the borough's £50 million parking contract.

Apcoa, which runs parking at Gatwick and Heathrow, has already unsuccessfully sued Westminster after losing out on the deal to its rival NSL.

It is now readying another suit, this time demanding compensation for loss of profits. It earlier alleged that the council "steered" the contract towards its favoured provider even before the bids had been evaluated.

Yesterday it emerged that Mouchel, another losing bidder, is also fighting a legal battle to prevent Westminster hiring NSL.

Westminster insists its processes are fair. A spokesman said: "The council's approach to procurement has already been tested in the High Court which was unequivocal in its view that Apcoa's claim for an injunction was unsound in law'."

Colin Barrow, leader of Westminster City Council, said: "[The NSL contract] was a very good deal for local taxpayers and if implemented would save them £10 million over four years." He calls Apcoa's and Mouchel's cases "unfounded and misconceived".

Danny Chalkley, the councillor in charge of the borough's parking enforcement, has just left his position.